Per Mertesacker is entrusted with the job of collecting fines from Arsenal players in breach of club discipline but the German may find himself going cap in hand to manager Arsene Wenger for his place in the team.

The Wales international flew to the Spanish capital this morning after Real confirmed they had agreed a deal - thought to be worth an unprecedented 100 million euros (£85.3million) - with Spurs for the 24-year-old.

Bale successfully passed his medical before signing a six-year contract with the Spanish giants, where he will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo, who in 2009 became the most expensive player in the world when Real signed him from Manchester United for £80 million.

After putting pen-to-paper on his Madrid contract, Bale was officially unveiled to fans at the Bernabeu during a presentation that also saw club president Florentino Perez welcome the forward to the nine-time European champions.

Bale, who will wear the number 11 shirt at Madrid, also spoke to his new supporters, including a message in Spanish where he said: "Hello, it's a dream for me to play for Real Madrid. Thank you for the great welcome. Go Madrid!"

Perez welcomed the attacker with the words: "Your dream is starting to come true. You're coming to the most demanding club in the world. I hope you know that, but we're with you and you'll always feel loved by us. Fans want the best of you and they'll give to you their best as well. Challenges don't stop at Real Madrid, even after winning. Don't forget the energy of this stadium will always be your ally and you'll be able to find your idols in this club.”